Hallo Dirk,
Miskien eerder engels ter wille vd ander!?
I really admire and like David Goldblatt's work, especially 'some afrikaners photographed' I find some of his newer colour work also interesting.( My film personal work was all B&W) I think he is very principled and at his age he is still going strong. At a lecture, many years ago, we talked about Arnold Newman's portrait of that Nazi industrialist( I think it was Krupp?) and he deplored Newmans lighting that made him(Krupp?) look more evil. Said it was
artificial. I really could identify with some of those people in his photographs.
As far as Ballen is concerned it is more difficult. In my view a photographer has a great responsibilty towards his subjects. I find it embarising ( on their behalf) to look at some of the people he photographed, and the poses he got them to do. I wonder if those people really understood what happened and the power of the media. If they were more sophisticated would they still do it? But nevertheless his work is very powerfull. a bit like Arbus, although I felt she treated her subject with more sympathy.
My problem is I like all sorts of photography. It becomes quite emotional photographing these people. You know, i find in talking to them that many of them have a 'problem' and I am not so sure that better circumstances would have improved their lot. Some of them just can't function in society. But the gratitude for simple gifts(a meal and a cup of tea) brings on my tears!
But I look at them as our conscience.
Landscapes are much easier and contemplative! (And Italy is also great)
Wat jou laaste statement betref. ek stem saam! As mens kyk na die huidige vermorsing v geld en talent en plein incompetance is dis plain scary!
Groete,
Ivan
